Thousands Driving Illegally in Minnesota

Authorities say about one in eight drivers on Minnesota roads does not have a valid license allowing them to get behind the wheel.

As part of a joint investigation, KARE-11 and Minnesota Public Radio News analyzed Minnesota court records and looked at driving violations.

They found that since 2008, there have been nearly 310,000 convictions for violations related to driving without a valid license. Those convictions include people who drive with suspended, revoked, or cancelled licenses. The records show thousands of repeat offenders.

Jon Cummings is a victims’ advocate at Minnesotans for Safe Driving. He says when someone is determined to drive without a license, it’s hard to keep him or her from getting behind the wheel. He says innocent people often pay the price.